A flowchart is a picture of an algorithm. Before writing a single line of code, programmers often sketch the steps and decisions as boxes joined by arrows — it is far easier to spot a mistake in a diagram than in a finished program.
What your child will learn
- Know the main flowchart shapes: oval, rectangle, diamond and arrow
- Follow a flowchart from start to end
- Trace what happens at a decision with a yes and a no path
- Recognise a loop: an arrow that goes back to an earlier step
Four shapes
An oval marks the start or the end. A rectangle holds an action: “add 1 to the score”. A diamond holds a yes-or-no question: “Is the score more than 10?” Arrows show which step comes next, and a diamond always has two ways out.
From diagram to code
Every flowchart shape has a matching piece of code. A diamond becomes an “if … else”. An arrow looping back becomes a “repeat”. If the flowchart works when you trace it with your finger, the program will work too.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. In a flowchart for brushing your teeth, which step comes first?
- Put toothpaste on the brush
- Put the brush away
- Spit out the toothpaste
- Rinse your mouth
Show answer
Answer: Put toothpaste on the brush. The order of steps matters in every algorithm.
2. A flowchart asks “Is it raining?” Yes leads to “Take an umbrella”; No leads to “Wear a hat”. It is raining. What happens?
- Both
- Nothing
- Wear a hat
- Take an umbrella
Show answer
Answer: Take an umbrella. The answer is yes, so follow the yes arrow.
3. Which flowchart shape shows a yes-or-no decision?
- An oval
- A circle
- A diamond
- A rectangle
Show answer
Answer: A diamond. A diamond holds a question with two possible answers.
Tips for grown-ups
- Draw a flowchart for an everyday job: crossing the road, making toast.
- Trace each other’s flowcharts with a finger and try to find a missing path.
- Turn a flowchart into Scratch blocks, shape by shape.